The world of mixed martial arts will collide with the boxing universe this fall!
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou is set to fight WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury on October 28, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is unclear if Fury’s heavyweight crown will be up for grabs, but the fight will reportedly “take place in a regulation boxing ring under boxing rules, including three ringside judges using the 10-point must system.”
The WBC Heavyweight Champion last fought Derek Chisora at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 3, 2022. Fury dominated Chisora en route to a 10th-round TKO victory. Since then, the unbeaten prizefighter has teased potential showdowns with fellow heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, previously unbeaten heavyweight contender Joe Joyce and former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. However, none of the fights came to fruition. Now, he’ll put his boxing skills on display against an unfamiliar foe — Francis Ngannou.
“I can’t wait to get back out there under the lights,” Fury said.
“I’m looking forward to showing the world that The Gypsy King is the greatest fighter of his generation in an epic battle with another master of his craft.”
Francis Ngannous is best known for his excellence in the cage under the UFC banner. Within the last year, he has cut ties with Dana White’s promotional imprint and moved over to the PFL. Dissimilar from his contractual restrictions with the UFC, the PFL has given Ngannou the green light to pursue a boxing career. In his first professional boxing contest, he has set his sights on the man that many believe is the best heavyweight in the world — Tyson Fury.
“My dream was always to box, and to box the best,” Ngannou said.
“After becoming the undisputed MMA Heavyweight Champion, this is my opportunity to make that dream come true.”
